El Paso Countyhttp://krcc.org
enMeasles Confirmed in El Paso County Patienthttp://krcc.org/post/measles-confirmed-el-paso-county-patient
<p>El Paso County Public Health officials say someone who traveled to Colorado Springs last month&nbsp;has tested positive for measles.&nbsp; The case may be connected to <a href="http://krcc.org/post/measles-makes-unwelcome-visit-disneyland">nine other measles cases in two other states</a> where the patients visited Disneyland or Disney California Adventure Park in mid-December.&nbsp;<br />Thu, 08 Jan 2015 21:37:34 +0000Andrea Chalfin29233 at http://krcc.orgMeasles Confirmed in El Paso County PatientFalcon Regional Park Planning Underwayhttp://krcc.org/post/falcon-regional-park-planning-underway
<p><span style="line-height: 1.5;">El Paso County is undergoing a master plan process to get public input for the new Falcon Regional Park.&nbsp;</span><br /><br /><span style="line-height: 1.5;">The 215-acre park site is east of the Meridian Ranch Development near Falcon High School. A survey is the next step in the planning process, and it asked residents which amenities, like picnic pavilions, baseball fields and trails are the most important to include.</span></p>Wed, 07 Jan 2015 00:28:14 +0000Tucker Hampson28356 at http://krcc.orgFalcon Regional Park Planning Underway1A - El Paso County Excess Revenuehttp://krcc.org/post/1a-el-paso-county-excess-revenue
<p>Voters in El Paso County are deciding whether or not to allow the county to keep excess revenue for the purpose of supporting parks and open space.</p><p><span style="line-height: 1.5;">The Taxpayers Bill or Rights, or TABOR, stipulates any excess revenue should be returned to residents, unless voters approve a measure allowing the county to put it to other use.</span></p>Tue, 21 Oct 2014 02:46:08 +0000Andrea Chalfin25969 at http://krcc.org1A - El Paso County Excess RevenueCommission, Statehouse Candidates Debate at Citizens Project Voter Forumhttp://krcc.org/post/commission-statehouse-candidates-debate-citizens-project-voter-forum
<p>The <a href="http://www.citizensproject.org">Citizens Project</a> held a General Election voter forum Tuesday night, featuring the race for El Paso County Commissioner District 5, as well as state legislative races for House District 17, House District 18, and Senate District 11. &nbsp;Other candidates for office were also invited to speak at the forum.<br />Wed, 15 Oct 2014 23:13:21 +0000Andrea Chalfin25787 at http://krcc.orgCommission, Statehouse Candidates Debate at Citizens Project Voter ForumColorado AG: Same-Sex Marriage Licenses will be Issuedhttp://krcc.org/post/colorado-ag-same-sex-marriage-licenses-will-be-issued
<p><strong>Update: 10/7/14, 10:38 am</strong><br /><br />The El Paso County Clerk and Recorder's Office has announced same-sex marriage licenses are available at the clerk's office, effective immediately. &nbsp;In a statement, the office says they received "final clearance" from the office of Attorney General John Suthers.<br />Mon, 06 Oct 2014 21:52:22 +0000Nathan Heffel & Andrea Chalfin & Mike Lamp25434 at http://krcc.orgColorado AG: Same-Sex Marriage Licenses will be IssuedMaketa Recall Effort Failshttp://krcc.org/post/maketa-recall-effort-fails
<p>Embattled El Paso County Sheriff Terry Maketa will not face a recall election in November.&nbsp;<span style="line-height: 1.5;">Organizers of the effort had until 1:00 Saturday to turn in the more than 44,000 signatures needed for the recall. </span></p>Sat, 12 Jul 2014 20:31:01 +0000Andrea Chalfin & AP21860 at http://krcc.orgMaketa Recall Effort FailsStormwater Task Force Seeks Public Inputhttp://krcc.org/post/stormwater-task-force-seeks-public-input
<p><span style="line-height: 1.5;">The committee tasked with addressing </span>stormwater<span style="line-height: 1.5;"> needs throughout the Pikes Peak region is hosting several community meetings to talk about their new draft plan.&nbsp;</span>KRCC’s<span style="line-height: 1.5;"> Tucker </span>Hampson<span style="line-height: 1.5;"> reports.</span><br />&nbsp;</p>Thu, 10 Jul 2014 22:54:26 +0000Tucker Hampson21581 at http://krcc.orgStormwater Task Force Seeks Public InputFlood Repairs Continue On Old Stage Roadhttp://krcc.org/post/flood-repairs-continue-old-stage-road
<p><br /><span style="line-height: 1.5;">Crews are slated to begin repairs on the final damaged section of Old Stage Road in El Paso County this week</span><span style="line-height: 1.5;">.&nbsp;KRCC’s Tucker Hampson reports.</span></p><p></p><p><span style="line-height: 1.5;">Last September’s flooding caused extensive damage, and the work will include repairing the road and retaining wall, and installing larger culverts.&nbsp;<br /><br />El Paso County Engineer Andre </span>Brackin<span style="line-height: 1.5;"> says repairs on Old Stage Road have been ongoing.</span></p>Mon, 07 Jul 2014 19:38:59 +0000Tucker Hampson21360 at http://krcc.orgFlood Repairs Continue On Old Stage RoadRabid Bat Found in El Paso Countyhttp://krcc.org/post/rabid-bat-found-el-paso-county
<p>Health officials are reporting the first rabid bat of the season in El Paso County. As KRCC’s Dana Cronin reports, rabies is also showing up in surrounding areas.<br />&nbsp;</p><p><span style="line-height: 1.5;">&nbsp;&nbsp;</span>&nbsp;&nbsp;</p><p><span style="line-height: 1.5;">Three children discovered the bat in Southwest Colorado Springs, and two were recommended for rabies post exposure treatment.</span></p>Tue, 01 Jul 2014 21:53:54 +0000Dana Cronin21327 at http://krcc.orgRabid Bat Found in El Paso County'Tumbleweed Eater' Works to Take a Bite Out of the Invasive Planthttp://krcc.org/post/tumbleweed-eater-works-take-bite-out-invasive-plant
<p>It’s harvest season in El Paso County, but this crop isn’t exactly what one might expect. KRCC's Tucker Hampson reports.<br />&nbsp;</p><p><span style="line-height: 1.5;">A Skid Steer Loader, which looks kind of like a big Bobcat, pulls tumbleweeds out of a ditch. The tumbleweeds are then chopped up by a converted 1995 John Deere Harvester, dubbed the Tumbleweed Eater, and then shot out into neighboring fields.</span></p>Thu, 26 Jun 2014 03:25:20 +0000Tucker Hampson21056 at http://krcc.org'Tumbleweed Eater' Works to Take a Bite Out of the Invasive PlantMaketa Appears before El Paso County Commissionershttp://krcc.org/post/maketa-appears-el-paso-county-commissioners
<p></p><p><span style="line-height: 1.5;">El Paso County Commissioners invited Sheriff Terry </span>Maketa<span style="line-height: 1.5;"> to their board meeting Tuesday to answer questions about the functionality of the department. </span>KRCC’s<span style="line-height: 1.5;"> Tucker </span>Hampson<span style="line-height: 1.5;"> reports.</span><br />&nbsp;</p>Tue, 17 Jun 2014 23:11:54 +0000Tucker Hampson20635 at http://krcc.orgMaketa Appears before El Paso County CommissionersVoter Service & Polling Centers Open in El Paso Countyhttp://krcc.org/post/voter-service-polling-centers-open-el-paso-county
<p><span style="line-height: 1.5;">The three remaining Motor Vehicle Offices in El Paso County are now also open as Voter Service and Polling Centers as primary election day draws near.&nbsp;</span>KRCC’s<span style="line-height: 1.5;"> Tucker </span>Hampson<span style="line-height: 1.5;"> reports.</span></p><p></p>Mon, 16 Jun 2014 21:15:22 +0000Tucker Hampson20580 at http://krcc.orgVoter Service & Polling Centers Open in El Paso CountyEffort to Recall El Paso County Sheriff Moves Forwardhttp://krcc.org/post/effort-recall-el-paso-county-sheriff-moves-forward
<p>A group seeking to recall embattled El Paso County Sheriff Terry Maketa received approval from the Clerk and Recorder’s office to begin collecting signatures.&nbsp; KRCC’s Andrea Chalfin has more.</p><p></p><p></p><p><span style="line-height: 1.5;">A resubmitted petition from the group was accepted after an initial effort was rejected on the grounds that it didn’t meet legal standards.&nbsp; According to the Clerk’s office, backers need to gather more than 44,000 signatures to recall Sheriff </span>Maketa<span style="line-height: 1.5;"> in November.&nbsp; </span></p>Fri, 13 Jun 2014 22:13:32 +0000Andrea Chalfin20484 at http://krcc.orgEffort to Recall El Paso County Sheriff Moves ForwardCritics, Supporters Rally at El Paso County Sheriff's Departmenthttp://krcc.org/post/critics-supporters-rally-el-paso-county-sheriffs-department
<p>A handful of residents gathered outside the El Paso County Sheriff’s Department Thursday afternoon in downtown Colorado Springs to show their disapproval of Sheriff Terry Maketa.&nbsp;Maketa faces allegations of wrongdoing, including creating a hostile workplace, sexual discrimination, and budget mismanagement. &nbsp;Those protesters were met by others who support the embattled sheriff.<br />&nbsp;</p>Fri, 13 Jun 2014 00:34:51 +0000Andrea Chalfin & Tucker Hampson20431 at http://krcc.orgCritics, Supporters Rally at El Paso County Sheriff's DepartmentBlack Forest Fire: Lessons Applied, Lessons Learned, Cause Undeterminedhttp://krcc.org/post/black-forest-fire-lessons-applied-lessons-learned-cause-undetermined
<p><br />The El Paso County Sheriff’s Office released a report looking at the response to the Black Forest Fire Tuesday, nearly one year to the day after the devastating fire began.&nbsp;<br />&nbsp;</p><p></p>Tue, 10 Jun 2014 23:39:44 +0000Andrea Chalfin20316 at http://krcc.orgBlack Forest Fire: Lessons Applied, Lessons Learned, Cause UndeterminedEPC Sheriff Maketa Vows to Stay On; Says 'Distractions' will not Hinder Dept. Operationshttp://krcc.org/post/epc-sheriff-maketa-vows-stay-says-distractions-will-not-hinder-dept-operations
<p>El Paso County Sheriff Terry Maketa restated his plans to remain in office despite an&nbsp;<span style="line-height: 1.5;">investigation into alleged </span>wrongdoings<span style="line-height: 1.5;">. &nbsp;</span><span style="line-height: 1.5;">As </span>KRCC’s<span style="line-height: 1.5;"> Tucker </span>Hampson<span style="line-height: 1.5;"> reports, the comments came during an <a href="http://krcc.org/post/black-forest-fire-lessons-applied-lessons-learned-cause-undetermined">unrelated press conference on the Black Forest Fire</a>.</span></p><p></p>Tue, 10 Jun 2014 22:20:40 +0000Tucker Hampson20313 at http://krcc.orgEPC Sheriff Maketa Vows to Stay On; Says 'Distractions' will not Hinder Dept. OperationsEl Paso County Commissioners Vote 'No Confidence' in Sheriff; Seek Resignationhttp://krcc.org/post/el-paso-county-commissioners-vote-no-confidence-sheriff-seek-resignation
<p>El Paso County Commissioners gave a unanimous&nbsp;vote of 'no confidence' to Sheriff Terry Maketa&nbsp;today, and asked for his resignation after allegations of misconduct.&nbsp; KRCC’s Andrea Chalfin reports.<br />&nbsp;</p><p></p><p><br /><span style="line-height: 1.5;">Commissioners say the vote isn’t about guilt or innocence and that investigations into employee complaints and allegations including sexual discrimination, budget mismanagement, and a hostile work environment are underway.</span></p>Thu, 29 May 2014 23:10:42 +0000Andrea Chalfin19795 at http://krcc.orgEl Paso County Commissioners Vote 'No Confidence' in Sheriff; Seek ResignationEPC Sheriff Faces Allegations of Inappropriate Behaviorhttp://krcc.org/post/epc-sheriff-faces-allegations-inappropriate-behavior
<p><span style="line-height: 1.5;">El Paso County Sheriff Terry </span>Maketa<span style="line-height: 1.5;"> is facing allegations of inappropriate behavior, including creating a hostile work environment and sexual discrimination. &nbsp;</span><span style="line-height: 1.5;">Several department commanders say the sheriff had affairs with three subordinates, abused those who questioned the alleged relationships, and removed all oversight of the department's $60 million budget. &nbsp;</span><br />Fri, 23 May 2014 22:27:52 +0000Andrea Chalfin & AP19531 at http://krcc.orgEPC Sheriff Faces Allegations of Inappropriate BehaviorVolunteers Train for Phone Ops During Large Emergencieshttp://krcc.org/post/volunteers-train-phone-ops-during-large-emergencies
<p>Trainings for volunteer call takers during large emergencies in the Pikes Peak region are taking place this week.&nbsp; It’s a collaboration between Pikes Peak United Way 211, the City of Colorado Springs, El Paso County, and the El Paso County Sheriff’s Office.&nbsp; KRCC’s Martha Perez-Sanz was at the first gathering and has this report.<br />&nbsp;</p><p></p>Wed, 05 Feb 2014 15:31:07 +0000Martha Perez-Sanz14736 at http://krcc.orgVolunteers Train for Phone Ops During Large EmergenciesReimbursement for Recall Elections Unlikelyhttp://krcc.org/post/reimbursement-recall-elections-unlikely
<p>Now that Colorado’s historic recall elections are over, there’s an ongoing clash about who should foot the bill. The recalls of two Democratic lawmakers cost over $400,000. As Bente Birkeland reports, the Secretary of State’s Office says he can’t legally reimburse counties for the elections.<br />&nbsp;</p>Fri, 17 Jan 2014 14:38:05 +0000Bente Birkeland13968 at http://krcc.orgReimbursement for Recall Elections UnlikelyReport Details Challenges and Support Opportunities for El Paso County's Aginghttp://krcc.org/post/report-details-challenges-and-support-opportunities-el-paso-countys-aging
<p>El Paso County’s senior population is expected to jump an estimated 179 percent over the next thirty years.&nbsp;<span style="line-height: 1.5;">KRCC’s</span><span style="line-height: 1.5;"> </span>Elaina<span style="line-height: 1.5;"> </span>Formby<span style="line-height: 1.5;"> has more on a new report identifying possible ways to help support the growing demographic.</span><br />&nbsp;</p>Fri, 17 Jan 2014 13:56:01 +0000Elaina Formby13965 at http://krcc.orgReport Details Challenges and Support Opportunities for El Paso County's AgingVolunteers Sought for Call Center Ops During Large Emergencieshttp://krcc.org/post/volunteers-sought-call-center-ops-during-large-emergencies
<p>Officials in the Pikes Peak region are seeking volunteers to help staff call centers in the event of another large emergency.&nbsp;<span style="line-height: 1.5;">The effort comes from Pikes Peak United Way 211, the City of Colorado Springs, and the El Paso County Sheriff’s Office.<br />Fri, 10 Jan 2014 14:52:52 +0000Elaina Formby13692 at http://krcc.orgVolunteers Sought for Call Center Ops During Large EmergenciesEl Paso County Commissioners OK Zoning Request for Wind Farmhttp://krcc.org/post/el-paso-county-commissioners-ok-zoning-request-wind-farm
<p></p><p>El Paso County Commissioners have approved a zoning request regarding a proposed wind farm in the eastern part of the county.&nbsp; Here’s the press release:</p><p></p><blockquote><p>Following a day long public hearing, the Board of El Paso County Commissioners this evening gave its approval to a zoning request that will clear the way for the development of a large wind farm in eastern El Paso County.</p>Fri, 20 Dec 2013 05:11:47 +0000Andrea Chalfin12911 at http://krcc.orgEl Paso County Commissioners OK Zoning Request for Wind FarmSheriff Disputes Claims Black Forest Fire was Intentionally Sethttp://krcc.org/post/sheriff-disputes-claims-black-forest-fire-was-intentionally-set
<p></p>Thu, 21 Nov 2013 14:32:50 +0000Andrea Chalfin11687 at http://krcc.orgSheriff Disputes Claims Black Forest Fire was Intentionally SetClerks in El Paso, Pueblo Counties Say Voter Turnout Appears Uphttp://krcc.org/post/clerks-el-paso-pueblo-counties-say-voter-turnout-appears
<p></p><div><p>Colorado voters have until 7 tonight to turn in their ballots in today’s election.&nbsp;For nearly a month, El Paso and Pueblo County Clerks have been collecting mail-in ballots.</p></div><p>Despite a slow start, Pueblo County Clerk and Recorder Gilbert Ortiz is optimistic about the turnout.</p>Tue, 05 Nov 2013 23:14:17 +0000Martha Perez-Sanz & Kate Dunn11000 at http://krcc.orgClerks in El Paso, Pueblo Counties Say Voter Turnout Appears UpFunds Still Available from FEMA Despite Government Shutdownhttp://krcc.org/post/funds-still-available-fema-despite-government-shutdown
<p></p>Tue, 08 Oct 2013 14:33:00 +0000Andrea Chalfin9702 at http://krcc.orgFunds Still Available from FEMA Despite Government ShutdownEl Paso County Reports First West Nile Casehttp://krcc.org/post/el-paso-county-reports-first-west-nile-case
<p></p><p>El Paso County health officials are confirming the first human case of West Nile Virus in the county this year.</p><p></p><p></p><p></p><p>A man has been diagnosed with the virus in what Dr. Bill Letson, the El Paso County Public Health Medical Diretor, calls a pretty average year for incident rates. &nbsp;</p><p>There may be one or two more cases, according to Letson, but mosquito activity is winding down.</p>Wed, 25 Sep 2013 23:28:51 +0000Andrea Chalfin9157 at http://krcc.orgEl Paso County Reports First West Nile CaseFEMA Opens Disaster Recovery Centerhttp://krcc.org/post/fema-opens-disaster-recovery-center
<p>FEMA’s Disaster Recovery Center opens today for residents of El Paso County affected by recent flooding. KRCC’s Martha Perez-Sanz has more.</p><p></p><p></p><p></p><p></p><p>The Center takes the place of the city’s recovery facility after the federal Major Disaster Declaration was expanded last week to include El Paso County. FEMA spokeswoman Renee Bafalis calls the Center a “one-stop-shop” that aims to help residents with insurance and medical needs, among other concerns.&nbsp;</p>Tue, 24 Sep 2013 22:49:16 +0000Martha Perez-Sanz9100 at http://krcc.orgFEMA Opens Disaster Recovery CenterEl Paso County Included in Major Disaster Declaration; Federal Aid Availablehttp://krcc.org/post/el-paso-county-included-major-disaster-declaration-federal-aid-available
<p></p><p>El Paso is among the <a href="http://www.fema.gov/news-release/2013/09/19/clear-creek-el-paso-and-jefferson-counties-eligible-individual-disaster" target="_blank">three additional counties</a> added to the <a href="http://www.fema.gov/disaster/4145" target="_blank">federal Major Disaster Declaration</a> after last week’s devastating flooding.&nbsp; That brings the total number of counties eligible for aid from the Federal Emergency Management Agency to seven. &nbsp;</p>Fri, 20 Sep 2013 19:06:10 +0000Andrea Chalfin8932 at http://krcc.orgEl Paso County Included in Major Disaster Declaration; Federal Aid AvailableVoting Centers Open Until 7PM in Recall Electionshttp://krcc.org/post/voting-centers-open-until-7pm-recall-elections
<p></p><p></p><p>It’s election day for parts of El Paso and Pueblo Counties. State senators John Morse and Angela Giron are facing possible recalls. KRCC’s Liz Ruskin caught up with the El Paso County Clerk at Centennial Hall, where at mid-day, voter traffic was moving swiftly.</p><p></p><p>This is one of seven voting centers open today in Colorado Springs and Manitou Springs. Clerk Wayne Williams says turnout today has been lighter at times than last week, but he says there could be an after-work rush.</p>Tue, 10 Sep 2013 22:05:50 +0000Liz Ruskin & Shanna Lewis8413 at http://krcc.orgVoting Centers Open Until 7PM in Recall Elections